My husband decided to stop drinking soda. Since then, his obstructive sleep apnea has improved. Is there research to support a connection between sleep apnea and caffeine?

Answers from Timothy Morgenthaler, M.D.

A small amount of research has been conducted in the potential connections between caffeine use and obstructive sleep apnea.

One study showed that caffeinated soda use may be associated with more severe sleep-disordered breathing, such as obstructive sleep apnea. However, tea or coffee use didn't appear to be associated with more severe sleep-disordered breathing.

In another study, caffeine seemed to improve thinking (cognitive) function in people with obstructive sleep apnea.

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